From 2026, non-wholemeal wheat flour in the UK will be fortified with folic acid to reduce cases of severe neural tube defects in babies. The new legislation, introduced today, aims to prevent around 200 cases of debilitating brain and spine conditions, such as spina bifida, each year.
Folic acid deficiency is a leading cause of neural tube defects, which develop early in pregnancy. Currently, the NHS advises women trying to conceive to take folic acid supplements three months before pregnancy and for the first 12 weeks. However, with half of all pregnancies in the UK unplanned, fortifying flour aims to provide a baseline level of protection for all women.
Professor Chris Whitty, England’s Chief Medical Officer, welcomed the initiative, calling it a “simple and effective” way to improve public health. He emphasised the continued importance of taking supplements during early pregnancy, alongside the benefits of fortified flour.
A Boost for Public Health
Flour is already fortified with calcium, iron, niacin, and thiamine. The inclusion of folic acid is expected to reduce neural tube defects by 20% across the UK, improving outcomes for expectant mothers and their babies. The move is also projected to save the NHS £20 million over the next decade and boost the economy by £90 million through increased live births and labour market participation.
Andrew Gwynne, Minister for Public Health, described the measures as a cornerstone of the government’s strategy to shift from sickness to prevention. “These simple steps will help give babies the best start in life,” he said.
Baroness Merron, Minister for Women’s Health, added: “Fortifying bread and flour with folic acid will bring peace of mind to women and improve maternity outcomes, ensuring children can thrive.”
Support from Experts and Campaigners
The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN), which has long advocated for folic acid fortification, hailed the move as a landmark public health achievement. SACN chair Professor Ian Young said: “This initiative will significantly reduce the number of lives adversely affected by neural tube defects.”
Kate Steele, CEO of Shine, a charity supporting families affected by spina bifida, celebrated the news after decades of campaigning. “Mandatory fortification will spare many families the heartbreak of serious birth defects,” she said.
Industry Preparations Underway
Millers and flour producers have until the end of 2026 to implement the changes. Small-scale millers producing under 500 metric tonnes annually will be exempt to avoid undue burden.
Joe Brennan from UK Flour Millers said: “Countries like Australia and Canada have already demonstrated the effectiveness of folic acid fortification. The UK flour milling sector is committed to supporting this public health initiative.”
The changes are part of a broader review of UK bread and flour regulations. The devolved governments in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland will implement their own legislation in parallel, ensuring a UK-wide effort to improve maternal and infant health.